Peep Show star Matt King has provided a health update where he explained he was recovering from a recent 'rare stroke of the spinal cord'.
The actor was on the popular Channel 4 comedy which ran until 2015 where he played Super Hans, Jez's (Robert Webb) mate who ends the show deciding to 'van it to Macedonia' and set up a moped rental after his wife leaves him because he kidnapped someone.
Posting a picture of himself in a hospital bed with a teddy bear perched on his shoulder, King explained he'd had a 'rare stroke' which had left him paralysed, but had since recovered to the point where he was able to walk again.
He wrote: It's true. I had a rare stroke of the spinal cord on Sunday. I was initially paralysed but was rushed to The Royal Sussex and the staff have been amazing.
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"Can walk again, a bit. My legs were jelly, man. It didnt feel f**king brilliant. Thank you for all the love and kindness."
Peep Show fans among you will notice he did throw in a little reference to the moment where Super Hans accidentally runs to Windsor after getting really into exercise.
There's been lots of well-wishes sent his way from his friends, family and fans who told him to 'take it easy legend' and quoted a veritable plethora of Peep Show quotes at him.
It's their way of showing they care.
Spinal cord infarction symptoms
A stroke in the spinal cord that King experienced is known as a spinal cord infarction, where tissue dies when blood supply to that part of the spine is blocked.
It is a rare condition and much less common than a stroke, but it's an incredibly serious one and there are a number of symptoms someone might experience.
The main one, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, is a feeling of sudden weakness in the legs, that feeling might extend to a person's arms as well depending on where along the spine the stroke occurs.
Further symptoms which can present themselves within the next few minutes or hours can include:
- Sharp or burning back pain that comes and goes
- Aching pain down through the legs
- Paralysis, including loss of reflexes
- Loss of pain and the ability to feel temperature (hot and cold)
- Incontinence (loss of bladder or bowel control)
- Sexual problems or dysfunction
- Changes in blood pressure
If the stroke occurs in the upper spine it can even cause difficulty with breathing or respiratory failure.
It's a rare condition and there aren't standard treatments, but doctors can help address the causes of the stroke and assist with rehabilitation.
King told his followers that after an initial paralysis he was able to walk around a bit again, so here's hoping his recovery continues well.
Joe Harker